O luto de mães atípicas: uma realidade silenciosa

Abstract

The present article addresses the invisible grief of atypical mothers, highlighting the social and psychological impacts of the stigma associated with special needs. This grief is characterized by the pain and suffering resulting from the discrepancy between the expectation of an idealized child and the experienced reality, exacerbated by social stigma that perpetuates prejudiced and discriminatory attitudes. Thus, the aim of this article is to analyze the experiences of atypical mothers who face invisible grief, through the emotional, social, and psychological implications. The methodology adopted in this study is action research, focused on the analysis and reflection of interventions and interactions during Basic Internship 1 at the Child Psychosocial Care Center (CAPSi), located in the city of Goiânia, conducted in 2023, from April to June. The results reveal that mothers face significant social isolation, feelings of guilt and inadequacy, and intense emotional overload. The self-care and active listening project implemented at CAPSi proved to be effective in providing emotional relief and strengthening the support network among mothers. However, the need for continuous and comprehensive support is evident. The final considerations point to the urgency of developing public policies that promote social inclusion and combat stigma, in addition to creating more spaces for social and emotional support. The continuation and expansion of self-care projects and greater awareness of the invisible grief of atypical mothers are essential to promoting the well-being and resilience of these women.